Conjunctive adverbs in English

1. What are conjunctive adverbs?

2. Different categories of conjunctive adverbs

2.1. Addition

2.2. Contrast

2.3. Cause and effect

2.4. Time

2.4 Emphasis

3. Common errors & corrections

1. What are conjunctive adverbs?

In English, conjunctive adverbs are transitional words that connect independent clauses, showing relationships between ideas. They function as both adverbs and conjunctions They function as both adverbs and conjunctions. Their use in sentences helps improve clarity, coherence, and logical flow.

Here is a list of common conjunctive adverbs in English

accordingly
also
besides
anyway
certainly
consequently
furthermore
finally
hence
however
incidentally
instead
indeed
likewise
thus.
moreover
meanwhile
next
nevertheless
nonetheless
similarly
otherwise
subsequently
still
therefore
then

Conjunctive adverbs have four key characteristics that enhance the clarity and flow of your writing:

Connect two independent clauses:
She studied hard; however, she did not pass the exam.
Show logical relationships (contrast, cause-effect, sequence):
The candidate promised extensive reforms; however, his policies remained largely unchanged after the election.
Require specific punctuation: when connecting independent clauses, a semicolon is placed before the adverb and a comma after it.
The road was closed for repairs; therefore, commuters had to take a detour.
Can move within clauses: their placement is flexible without changing the meaning. Original sentence: "He is an excellent strategist; indeed, he led the campaign to success." Alternative placements: "Indeed, he is an excellent strategist; he led the campaign to success." or "He is, indeed, an excellent strategist; he led the campaign to success."

⚠ Avoid using just a comma to link two independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb, as this causes a comma splice!

2. Different categories of conjunctive adverbs

Conjunctive adverbs can be categorized into different groups based on their function in a sentence. The table below illustrates this.

Category	Conjunctive adverbs	Function
Contrast	however, nevertheless, nonetheless, still	Show opposition or unexpected results
Cause/effect	accordingly, consequently, hence, thus, therefore	Indicate results or consequences
Addition	also, furthermore, moreover, besides, indeed	Add information or emphasise points
Time/sequence	finally, meanwhile, next, subsequently, then	Show time relationships or order
Similarity	likewise, similarly	Show agreement or parallel ideas
Alternative/exception	instead, otherwise	Present alternatives or exceptions
Confirmation	certainly, indeed	Affirm or strengthen statements
Dismissal	anyway	Dismiss previous information
Surprise	still	Show unexpected continuation
Tangential	incidentally	Introduce aside information

2.1. Addition

To add extra information or reinforces a previous statement, the following conjunctions can be used:

Also – She loves reading; also, she enjoys painting.
Besides – We can’t go to the park; besides, it’s raining.
Furthermore – The plan is too expensive; furthermore, it’s impractical.
Moreover – The hotel was beautiful; moreover, it had excellent service.
Likewise – She enjoys hiking; likewise, her brother loves outdoor activities.

2.2. Contrast

To highlight contradictions between two ideas, signal opposing viewpoints or unexpected outcomes within a sentence, the following words can be used.

However – The book was long; however, it was very interesting.
Nevertheless – The task was difficult; nevertheless, she completed it on time.
Nonetheless – It was cold outside; nonetheless, they went for a walk.
Instead – I didn’t go to the party; instead, I stayed home and watched a movie.
Still – He was tired; still, he continued working.

2.3. Cause and effect

Sometimes, we need to show the relationship between an action and its consequence to clarify why something happened or what resulted from a particular event. In this case, we can use the following conjunctive adverbs.

Consequently – He forgot to set his alarm; consequently, he was late for work.
Hence – She studied hard; hence, she passed the exam with flying colors.
Thus – The road was blocked; thus, we had to take a detour.
Therefore – He didn’t pay the bill; therefore, his electricity was cut off.

2.4. Time

This category includes conjunctive adverbs that indicate the order in which events or actions occur. They are essential for structuring narratives and organizing steps in a logical sequence.

Meanwhile – John was cooking; meanwhile, Sarah set the table.
Next – We finished dinner; next, we went for a walk.
Finally – He worked hard all year; finally, he got the promotion.
Subsequently – The company made a bad investment; subsequently, it faced bankruptcy.
Then – She packed her bags; then, she left for the airport.

2.4 Emphasis

The following words strengthen a statement, add certainty, or draw attention to a specific point. They help reinforce the writer’s argument or clarify an important detail.

Certainly – She is certainly the most talented dancer in the group.
Indeed – The meal was indeed delicious.
Incidentally – Incidentally, I met your cousin at the mall yesterday.
Anyway – It was a bad idea; anyway, we tried it.
Otherwise – Study hard; otherwise, you might fail the exam.

3. Common errors & corrections

Incorrect	Reason	Correct
I was tired, however I stayed awake.	Missing semicolon	I was tired; however, I stayed awake.
She studied hard. Consequently she passed.	Run-on sentence	She studied hard; consequently, she passed.
Although it was late, moreover we continued.	Double conjunction	Although it was late, we nevertheless continued.